Dusting: A Deadly Trend Of Inhalant Abuse
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What Is Dusting?
Dusting is a form of inhalant abuse where users, often teenagers and young adults, inhale computer keyboard dusting spray to get high. Aerosol products like keyboard cleaners and dust removers contain chemicals like difluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane, which are not intended for human consumption. When inhaled, these chemicals quickly produce side effects like hallucinations, dizziness, and euphoria.
Dusting includes directly spraying the aerosol into one’s mouth and nose or using a straw to achieve a euphoric high. The high is intense but brief, leading those who use the inhalant to frequently re-use, often leading to a dangerous and deadly cycle of abuse.
Why Is Dusting Popular Among Teenagers And Young Adults?
More broadly referred to as “huffing,” inhalant abuse is popular among teenagers for its affordability, accessibility, and perceived safety. Products abused for dusting are legal, relatively inexpensive, and widely available for purchase in person and online, leading many teenagers to falsely assume that they are “safer” when compared to other drugs of abuse.
However, this is a dangerous misconception that has led to deadly consequences. In 2023, singer Aaron Carter’s death was attributed in part to inhaling difluoroethane. More recently, 19-year-old Arizona teen Reena O’Rourke passed away from the effects of sudden sniffing death syndrome, a fatal cardiac arrythmia triggered by inhalant abuse, after dusting. Her mother told local news station KNPX that she had no idea her daughter had even bought the cleaner. Still, through this tragedy and in Reena’s honor, she aims to make it her mission “to spread awareness of the dangers of dusting” so that other parents and teens are aware of the risks associated with this deadly habit.
The Dangers Of Inhalant Abuse
Dusting can cause immediate, uncomfortable effects, such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of coordination, which all increase the risk of accidents and injuries in the short term.
More severe, long-term consequences of inhalant abuse include:
- Brain damage
- Heart failure
- Liver and kidney damage
- Muscle weakness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment, like memory loss
These risks are particularly concerning for teens, whose brains and bodies are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of inhalants.
Get Help For Inhalant Abuse
If you are worried that your child or someone you love is dusting and abusing inhalants, help is available. Treatment for inhalant addiction varies and can include therapy, support groups, 12-step programs, and inpatient and outpatient programs. Appropriate treatment depends on the extent of the addiction and the presence of any co-occurring physical and mental conditions. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options.